Refreshing or Revolting: 2015 Chevrolet Colorado

After a short absence from the midsize truck segment, the Chevrolet Colorado returns for the 2015 model year with new powertrains and fresh styling. While the new Colorado is unmistakably a Chevrolet, it looks less like a Silverado than the previous model. The U.S.-market Colorado also has a unique look compared to the global model. Now that the U.S.-spec Colorado has been revealed, let's compare the new model against its predecessor.

Up front, both Colorados proudly display the Chevrolet bowtie on their grille’s center horizontal bar. Unlike the previous model, where that grille bar extended through the front lighting cluster to separate the upper marker lights from the lower headlights, the top of the 2015 Colorado’s headlights are flush with the top of the grille with marker lights integrated into the headlight cluster. The 2015 Colorado’s grille also drops slightly below the top of the front bumper cover. Round fog lights replace the previous model’s rectangular units.

Along the side, the 2015 Colorado’s greenhouse swoops up toward the back of the rear window. A distinctive body crease starting at the leading edge of the front door goes through the door handles along the doors to the top of the rectangular taillights. The Colorado’s wheel flares transition smoother into the fenders and bedsides. Lower on the side, a creased bodyline flows into the front of the rear wheel flare. Around back, the 2015 Colorado features a CornerStep rear bumper similar to the one first seen on the 2014 Silverado.

While a four-spoke steering wheel carries over, cruise control and infotainment controls are new and the shifter stalk has been replaced with a floor shifter. The audio system/infotainment screen is mounted higher on the dash and sits between the center vents, while the climate controls have been redesigned. The center stack now flows uninterrupted into the center console.

After a short hiatus, the redesigned 2015 Chevrolet Colorado returns to the midsize pickup segment with new styling. Do you prefer the looks of the 2015 Colorado or the last-generation Colorado?

Last week there were quite a few negative comments about the new 2015 Lexus RC coupe. Andres Conde Bosch said, it “Looks like a Scion on steroids. Freaking scary. I don't know what to think of this design.”Thecarguy55 wasn’t impressed either: “FAIL! The front end is hideous. The grille is way too big and the headlights are too small.” And CALI-LIFER thought it was a poor rip-off of the Infiniti G37.

Still not all the comments were negative. Inline666 thought it was the “Best application of the spindle grille. The fact that the rest of the car looks good doesn't hurt either. RC-F any one???”